Most fire extinguishers today are stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers, meaning the dry chemical extinguishing agent is stored in the same cylinder as the expellant gas. This type of extinguisher is designed so that almost anyone can discharge the contents by pulling the pin and squeezing the lever. Although straight forward in design, the extinguisher cylinder requires special attention during annual maintenance to ensure it’s ready to operate.

Trained extinguisher technicians perform planned preventative maintenance on a regular schedule to enhance the safety and reliability of cylinders. The external and internal maintenance examinations are intended to give maximum assurance that the extinguisher will operate safely and to determine if physical damage or other conditions exists that would affect safety.

Any extinguisher that has obvious damage (including dents or corrosion) that is significant enough to cause weakness to the cylinder, must be hydrostatically tested.

If the damage is significant, the cylinder is condemned, under any of the following conditions:

The cylinder has been used for a purpose other than as a fire extinguisher

Repairs are observed, including soldering, welding, brazing, or patching compounds

Threads are corroded, crossthreaded, broken, or nicked

Internal cylinder walls show signs of corrosive pitting

There is corrosive pitting under the nameplate

The cylinder has been exposed to a fire or similar excessive heat

If not on a weld, a dent that exceeds 1 ⁄10 of the greatest dimension of the dent

A dent that exceeds 1 ⁄4” (6 mm) if a dent includes a weld

Any corrosion, cuts, gouges, or dings where 10% of the minimum wall thickness is removed.

It is extremely important to perform periodic external and internal cylinder examinations to identify physical damage before it becomes a safety issue. Knowing examination frequencies, what to look for, and having the special tools needed to do the job right will provide maximum assurance that dry chemical extinguishers are safe and ready to use in the event of a fire emergency.

If you are looking for more opportunities to service and sell portable fire extinguishers, look no further than your local boatyard, marina, or yacht club. Consider offering to do a safety check of boats to make sure they are up to date with the most recent Coast Guard (USCG) regulations (46 CFR 25.30).

As of August 22, 2016, all replacement extinguishers must meet the new regulations. You’d be surprised at how many boat owners are looking for the best in safety for themselves, their families, and friends.

For new vessels, USCG no longer requires B-I and B-II rated extinguishers. Those have been replaced by 5-B and 20-B rated extinguishers. Also CFR 25.30-80 mandates that any replacement extinguishers comply with regulations for new vessels. That means that any extinguishers that are no longer serviceable be replaced: B-I extinguishers must be replaced by 5-B rated extinguishers, and B-II extinguishers must be replaced by 20-B rated extinguishers.

Remember, this only applies if extinguishers are being replaced. Existing B-I and B-II extinguishers can continue to be serviced.

Most boat owners will want economical ABC dry chemical extinguishers, but owners with expensive boats will appreciate having Halotron™ I clean agent extinguishers.

Safety on the water is paramount for the USCG and boat owners. Make sure to explain the different attributes of the extinguishing agents (economical vs. clean agent). Offer to install the extinguishers that match the boat owner’s needs and the hazards aboard the boat. Your knowledge of USCG criteria will ensure the highest level of safety, protect the owner’s investment, and improve your bottom line.

Building codes require buildings to have emergency lighting in place. When the power goes out, emergency lights illuminate the way to an exit. Most buildings don’t have their own backup generator, so battery-operated emergency lights are installed. Batteries have a limited service life, so testing and replacing them will help make sure your emergency lights come on when they are needed.

Service Life of Batteries and the Need for Testing

Typically, a sealed lead acid battery has a service life of 3–5 years and a nickel cadmium battery could last up to 10 years. The service life is related to type of battery, ambient temperature, and other factors. There is no reliable way to tell how long a specific battery will last without testing it.

Battery Testing Requirements

To help ensure their reliability, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code and the International Fire Code require battery-operated emergency lights to be tested as follows:

Monthly functional test for 30 seconds

Annual load test for 90-minutes.

Testing is conducted by a technician trained on the testing procedures.

Training for Performing the Load Test

Emergency lights have a test button for the 30-second test that shows the lamps work and the battery is connected. Pushing that button isn’t a valid test for battery’s capability. The 90-minute load-test assures that the battery provides power to the unit and will provide emergency illumination for the minimum 90 minute duration required by code.

Technicians that attend the one-day Emergency Lighting Training Class, offered by Brooks, receive the required training that provides the necessary knowledge to perform the 90 minute test and determine when batteries need replacement. Technicians that successfully complete the program receive a certificate.

Example Calculation of Revenue

By testing and replacing batteries in exit signs and emergency lights, you’ll not only be improving the safety in every building that you visit, but you’ll be improving your bottom line.

Here’s an example using the 6V/4 Ah batteries (P/N PRB64) at a price of $30 and selling 4 batteries per day: 4 batteries per day x $30 per battery x 5 days per week x 50 weeks per year = $30,000 per year.

This is an example of how to determine sales.

So take a moment and plug in the price your company charges for an emergency lighting battery and the number of batteries that you’ll likely sell.

Maximize Your Revenue

Since exit signs and emergency lights are the most neglected safety equipment in buildings, there are improvement opportunities in almost every building. Emergency lights are easy to service and you’ll not only increase profits, but you’ll be improving safety for building occupants.

Make sure to log in to the Brooks Equipment website to gather more information on class lists, training sessions and for enrollment into classes.

Commercial vehicles require certain safety equipment for vehicle protection and for the safety of those in the vehicle.

Service technicians help ensure that each vehicle has the following safety equipment:

Portable Fire Extinguishers – proper type, size, and rating

Emergency Reflective Triangles – warning devices for stopped vehicles

Wheel Chocks – prevent accidental movement of vehicle while parked

First Aid Kits – to match the maximum capacity of persons per vehicle

The US Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), regulate the safety of commercial motor vehicles used on highways for transporting passengers or property.

FMCSA regulation 49 CFR Part 393.95 requires safety equipment on all of the following trucks, truck tractors, and buses:

Vehicles with GVWR, GCWR, or gross vehicle weight over 10,000 lb

Buses for compensation with over 8 persons and non-compensation buses with over 15

Vehicles transporting hazardous material requiring placards

Fire Extinguishers

All buses, trucks, and tractors require a portable fire extinguishers for compliance with FMCSA. A 10-B:C unit is required for vehicles with hazardous materials and 5-B:C for all others. An extinguishing agent that doesn’t freeze is required, and each unit must be secured in a manner that prevents sliding, rolling, and vertical movement. Most installations include a extinguisher in a vehicle bracket..

Emergency Reflective Triangles

The FMCSA requires warning devices for stopped vehicles. Although flares are acceptable, the following equipment is most commonly carried on each vehicle, as a minimum, for compliance:

At least 3 bidirectional emergency reflective triangles (P/N TKB1)

Wheel Chocks

Wheel chocks (P/N HDLWC) are typically carried on all commercial motor vehicles to prevent accidental movement while vehicles are parked and during loading and unloading. Chocks are used against the rear tires in the direction of grade. On even surfaces, chocks are placed on both sides of tires. Chocks should always be used in pairs.

First Aid Kits

The FMCSA does not mandate first aid kits, but many states do require them. Even when not mandated, Brooks first aid kits are typically installed to match the maximum number of vehicle occupants (passengers plus driver). Be sure to check existing first aid kits for proper contents and replace depleted kits after getting the owner’s consent. Every commercial motor vehicle should carry a complement of the right safety equipment. Others will appreciate your knowledge of the federal safety requirements and your recommendations for products and equipment that will help ensure the safety of vehicles, passengers, and drivers.

Do you know the different types of extinguishing agents? Brush up on your extinguishing agents using this summary of extinguishing agents used in fire extinguishers.

Dry Chemical.

This agent is made up of very small particles of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate with additives to help enhance flow and prevent packing and caking. Extinguishers with sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate are rated for Class B and Class C fires. Extinguishers with ammonium phosphate are rated for Class A, B, and C fires.

Wet Chemical.

This is agent is a water solution with additives that chemically react with fats in a cooking-oil fire, creating a thick foam blanket that will float on the surface of the oil. These extinguishers are intended for Class K fires.

Clean Agent.

This electrically nonconductive extinguishing agent, evaporates and leaves no residue behind. The currently acceptable clean agents used in extinguishers include halocarbons, such as Halotron I and FE36, Halon 1211, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are rated for Class B and C fires. Extinguishers containing halocarbons and Halon 1211 are rated for Class B and C fires, while larger units are rated for Class A fires.

Water Stream (extinguisher).

This is an extinguisher with a 2.5 gallon capacity, containing tap water or a loaded stream charge that is discharged through a hose as a solid stream. This type of extinguisher is rated 2-A for use on Class A fires only.

Water Mist (extinguisher).

An extinguisher with a special nozzle for discharging de-ionized water as a fine mist. This type of extinguisher is rated for Class A and C fires.

Foam.

This extinguishing agent is either aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) or film-forming fluoroprotein (FFFP) foam. Extinguishers containing foam solution have a hose with a special nozzle that introduces air to the solution, which creates foam as it leaves the extinguisher. Foam extinguishers are intended for Class B fires.

Dry Powder.

This extinguishing agent is made up of powder or granular particles that are intended for the extinguishment of Class D combustible metal fires. Typical dry powder agents include sodium chloride, graphite, and copper. Extinguishers containing dry powder are listed for the extinguishment of specific combustible metals.

With the help of this summary, you can now discuss portable fire extinguisher applications more confidently with your customers. Selecting the proper extinguishing agent for any application is dependent on your understanding of its material.

For extinguisher placement, always follow NFPA or locally adopted standards and consult with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as needed.

Building owners and tenants have many questions regarding portable fire extinguishers. Here are some of the most common questions and answers to help provide you with the insights you need.

Q. Do I have enough fire extinguishers?

A. During a fire emergency, someone will need to walk away from the fire, retrieve the extinguisher and then return to the fire to begin extinguishing it. That takes time. The number of seconds it takes to get the extinguisher and put out a fire depends largely on the spacing and placements of the extinguishers. The number of extinguishers and the spacing of those extinguishers is required to comply with the national standard, NFPA 10, and has to be approved by the local authorities in that jurisdiction. Extinguisher service companies have received special training for selection and distribution of fire extinguishers.

Q. How are fire extinguisher locations determined?

A. Although the overall goal is uniform distribution, there are several preferred locations to place a fire extinguisher. Extinguishers are always installed near entrance and exits doors. Additional extinguishers are provided along normal paths of travel, leaving them readily available in the event of a fire emergency.

Q. Do I need to make sure I’ve got the right fire extinguisher before I use it?

A. Generally speaking, each extinguisher matches the types of material that can burn in the area. When the right extinguisher has been installed and is regularly serviced, it can be used on a fire in the immediate vicinity of its location.

Q. If I pick up a fire extinguisher, will it go off?

A. Nobody should be afraid to pick up an extinguisher by the handle. There is a pin in the handle that keeps the extinguisher from being discharged. When there’s a fire, the operator pulls the pin and squeezes the lever and handle together to discharge the contents of the extinguisher on a fire.

Q. What do I do if a fire extinguisher is damaged or the gauge needle is in the red area?

A. Call your extinguisher company. The extinguisher needs to be serviced or replaced.

Q. Why are there signs with the words “FIRE EXTINGUISHER” right by the extinguishers?

A. In fire emergencies, people look for exits and fire extinguishers. The signs are there to help locate them quickly.

Q. Is it okay to have a fire extinguisher sitting on the floor?

A. Every extinguisher is required to be installed on a special hanger or bracket, in an extinguisher cabinet or in a specially designed wall recess. If an extinguisher is found on a floor, an extinguisher company should be called to properly mount it.

Q. Do fire extinguishers need to be checked every month?

A. Insurance companies and fire inspectors expect extinguishers to be checked every month. A trained technician from an extinguisher company will know the problems to look for during those monthly checks.

Although most building owners and tenants know the importance of using portable fire extinguishers during the early stage of fires, they may not be able to answer all of these questions. Consider sharing this knowledge with others and see if there are any additional services that you can provide them to help make their buildings fire safe.